How to Lock a Wireless Router

An unsecured wireless router will allow unwanted users to access your Internet connection and steal your bandwidth. Locking your wireless router prevents any unauthorized users from accessing your wireless router and Internet connection without your permission. When you secure your wireless router with the Wireless Encryption Protocol (WEP) or Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), you will control who is allowed to access your router by requiring them to enter a secure key that is associated with your router.

Password-protecting your wireless router prevents bandwidth theft.

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Secure Your Wireless Router

Step

Open your Web browser and navigate to your router's address. This address varies between router manufacturers, but three of the most common addresses are "http://192.168.0.1", "http://192.168.1.1" and "http://192.168.2.1". Consult your router's manual for the correct address if you do not know the address.

Step

Enter the username and password that is required to access your router. Consult your router's manual if you do not know the username or password.

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Click on the "Settings" or "Security" tab.

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Locate your router's security options on the page and secure your network by changing the "Unsecured" option to "WPA," "WPA2" or "WEP."

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Create a passphrase for your router and store the password in a safe place.

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Apply your new settings by clicking "Save Settings," "Apply" or "OK" on the router's security page.

Verify That the Network Is Secure

Step

Click on the Start button. Select "Control Panel" from the menu and click on "Network and Sharing Center."

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Click on the "Manage wireless networks" link on the left side of the screen.

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Locate your network in the list. Verify that your network is no longer listed as "unsecured" under the "Security" column.